Christopher D'Ambrese

The document pertains to the second part of the Odyssey of the Mind Region 5 Award Ceremony for the year 2026. The proceedings included a sound check for audience engagement, acknowledgments of various supporting personnel such as coaches, administrators, board members, volunteers, judges, sponsors, and staff members, as well as recognizing the support of the students' families. Key activities involved leading the Pledge of Allegiance and celebrating the accomplishments of the participants, emphasizing the value of ingenuity, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated throughout the competition. Awards were distributed across different problems and divisions, including Problem One (Divisions One and Two) and Problem Two (Divisions One and Two), with mention of ties in one category. The event concluded with closing remarks congratulating all teams and wishing them well.

The meeting commenced with the Cooperative Board entering and subsequently exiting an executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular person. Key discussions during the regular session included updates on student engagement during Spirit Week and concerns regarding student transitions between campuses and parking availability. Personnel actions, including appointments, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and terminations, were approved. The board accepted several financial reports for December 2025 and January 2026, including the Treasurer's Report, Budgetary Transfer Report, Budget Status Report, Budget Adjustment Report, and Claims Auditor Report, along with approving obsolete equipment and bid awards. Textbook approvals for Special Education programs (grades K-12) were completed, and the Corporal Punishment Report for the second half of 2025 (showing no incidents) was accepted. New policies concerning Artificial Intelligence, Data Networks and Security Access, Cybersecurity Incident Response, and revisions to policies on Procurement and Concussion Management were all approved on the first reading. Several capital project change orders related to Arden Hill Gymnasium/REC and Axelrod projects were addressed, with one motion failing. Finally, the 2026-2027 Proposed Budgets for Administration, Capital, Rental, and Programs, totaling over $197 million, were presented and adopted. Reports included an update on the availability of Presidential Park for Summer School and the Strategic Plan Committee's timeline.

The meeting included public hearings on the Student Codes of Conduct and the BOCES Wide School Safety Plan, along with discussions and presentations on these topics. The agenda was approved, and minutes from previous meetings were also approved. Personnel actions were addressed, and the Treasurer's Report, Budget Status Report, Budget Adjustment Report, Budgetary Transfer Report, and Claims Auditor Report were accepted. Bid Awards were approved, obsolete equipment was accepted, and the Wellness Committee Annual Report was reviewed and accepted. Approvals were given for textbooks, participation in the Data Privacy Consortium with MHRIC, and annual lease resolutions with Warwick and Port Jervis CSD. Building Level Emergency Response Plans were reviewed and approved. Capital project change orders for Axelrod and North Wing were also approved. Changes to the Student Code of Conduct and the BOCES-Wide School Safety Plan were approved, and the Professional Development Plan was accepted. The board also discussed component school districts and reports from OCSBA and NYSSBA meetings. The meeting adjourned into an executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular person before adjourning the executive session.

The strategic plan focuses on school safety, emergency preparedness, and compliance with New York State regulations. Key areas include risk reduction, prevention, intervention strategies, emergency response procedures, and recovery protocols. The plan emphasizes collaboration with local and county agencies, staff training, student education, and community involvement to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as approving the agenda, minutes from previous meetings, and the audit committee minutes. The board addressed personnel action items, including approvals for appointments, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and salary resolutions for non-union employees. Agreements with the BOCES Administrators Association and the UPSEU Clerical & Technical Unit were also approved. Business action items included accepting treasurer's reports, budget status reports, budgetary transfer reports, budget adjustment reports, claims auditor reports, and donations. The board also approved obsolete equipment and installment purchase agreements for the Washingtonville Central School District and the Florida UFSD. Additionally, the board approved funding for the Liability Reserve Fund and the Insurance Reserve Fund. Updates were provided on property and liability insurance, the sale of bonds, the ASBO Conference, and a memo of understanding between the Education Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government and OUBOCES. The meeting also covered a state report, OCSBA report, and NYSSBA report.